TIPS FOR THURSDAY! Simple Strategies (8 of 8) – Communication 101
Submitted by Jessica
Welcome to the 8th article in an eight part series that digs deeper into the 8 Simple Strategies so you can save time, money and energy on your journey to the best marketing materials around.
Sadly and excitingly this is my last article in this series! I hope you have found it informative and helpful. Last, but certainly not least, we will be discussing the importance of effective communication during a project.
Below are 5 simple tips to have your conversations lead to constructive feedback and positive results!
TIP #1
Remember your designer is a person too.
This is a biggy! Sometimes when we are just focused on getting something done we forget that we are dealing with a human being. I am just as guilty of this as anyone. We focus on the result so much that we forget what it takes to make that result come into reality. When we take the time to respect the people we are working with, there is a huge difference in receptivity of change, adjustments and urgent needs. Your designer is here to help and create for you, but not to be your slave.
Also, the creative process can be frustrating because it is SO subjective. Always trust that your designer is trying to meet your needs while applying the rules of graphic design. When they disagree with a change you have requested dig a little deeper, perhaps there is a tried and true compositional rule that is being broken. In the end your designer is trying to manage their own lives and your projects to the best of their ability, just as you are trying to manage your life and business to the best of yours.
TIP #2
Plan what you want to communicate.
Taking the time to know what you want to communicate to your designer before getting on a call or going to a meeting is essential. This negates making the call or meeting your processing time, which can add to your invoice if your designer charges for meetings. It also creates a level of frustration and disrespect because some of the “figuring it out” process becomes obsolete and can make your designer feel like you are walking them around in circles. When you are preparing to discuss a project compile all your main points and questions. And go through each one until you are satisfied. This will save you time, money and probably some frustration too.
TIP #3
Focus on the good first.
This is a standard communication rule…at least one good (preferably more) to every bad. Imagine if a client came to you and only focused on the negative portions of what you were doing with them, despite all the wonderful advancements you had made for their business. How would that make you feel? And how excited would you be to make adjustments? Or how happy did working with someone like that make you feel? Not very, I would imagine. So, take the time to point out what you do like about the project so your designer can get a hold on the things that they are working and so that he or she knows what to sharpen. Communicating your likes first sets the tone of the conversation to a positive note and makes constructive feedback much more palpable. So there is a difference between criticism and constructive communication. Focus on the good first…then…
TIP #4
Focus on the facts.
Say what you want to change and why. Don’t bring drama or emotion into it with such phrases as “this is horrible” or “this is totally NOT what I had in mind.” Those phrases don’t really communicate anything constructive that will move the design forward. Use more factual phrases such as: I love this shade of green but this looping accent is too feminine for the clean structured look I am going for…or…Because the logo is so strong I think it would be best to eliminate all the other detail around it…or…you’ve done a great job so far but can we refer back to the this specific example of colors I showed you, let’s stick to only those, etc, etc, etc. Your point will be made much more quickly and effectively, making the design and revision process practically painless.
TIP #5
Double check.
In the whirl of discussing a project things may get confused, jumbled or down right understood in a different way than you intended. At the completion of your conversation with your designer it is best to do a re-cap of what was discussed. This helps to confirm that you and your designer are on the same page about all the elements that must be adjusted. Have your designer start from the top and review their notes on what needs to be altered. Interject when necessary to clarify or make modifications. Finally, confirm that all is understood. (*If your feel the need, have your designer send an email of what was discussed in the meeting so there is a record of it)
Happy Constructive Communication!
TAKE A LOOK TUESDAY! Polished Brand makes Flowering Sol shine!
Submitted by Jessica
Flowering Sol, founded by Ann O’Brien, was such a fun and rewarding project for designKREW to work on and we wanted to share with you the process and the project!
Polished Brand Makes Flowering Sol Shine!
Client: Flowering Sol
• Logo Design
• Business Card Design
• Email Promotion
• Web Redesign
• WordPress
• Printing
Challenge. Flowering Sol (originally the Ann O’Brien Brand) has over 20 years of experience and dedication to being an intuitive, healer, flower essence practitioner, and meditation and yoga teacher dedicated to helping you develop your awareness, become more present in your body, find inner peace, and realize your power to create the life of your dreams. Ann O’Brien brand was out of date with an underdeveloped brand image and color palette. Flowering Sol was ready to have the brand truly represent Ann O’Brien’s vision and mission.
Solution. designKREW quickly noticed the potential to bring the essence of Ann and her mission to the logo with a sense of radiance and expansion. Because no true logo had yet been developed designKREW was able to dive in and really bring strength to the Flowering Sol brand. We brought warmth and power to the color palette by working with rich reds and golds. It was important that the new color palette and visual speak “growth and truth” without words. The result was an icon and colors that are abundant, unrestrained, and inviting.
In Flowering Sol’s previous web presence, there was the use of flowers and a mono-toned orange color, but no visual reference to the spirit and offerings that Ann brings to the table with her services and products. By use of video and an easy to understand call to action right on the home page, viewers can start to build a relationship with Flowering Sol immediately. designKREW made a point to showcase Ann’s Products and Social Media outlets to reinforce connection and community. From logo design to print materials, web and email campaigns, Flowering Sol now displays brand consistency and professionalism.
Results. With a many years of quality + talent, Flowering Sol now has a brand image to match. Ann has since received an outpour of positive response and some new business opportunities have come across her plate. She has also received a higher opt-in rate into her database from new visitors to her site. Although dramatic changes were made, designKREW was able to build on Ann’s previously established trust and recognition by making her essence and presence known in the design.
You can see the real deal at www.floweringsol.comand please sign up for Ann’s Ezine! You wont regret it J
Testimonial. “Jessica is a brilliant artist behind the “Flowering Sol” brand! I have received so many compliments on her work and am so grateful to her! Not only is she a fabulous artist, but she also has a great combination of business sense and spirituality. She works like a channel creating images for your unique vision! If you’d like a new website or some help with graphic design, I highly recommend Jessica and the designKREW team!”
Ann O’Brien, Founder, Flowering Sol
Happy “Flowering”!
TIPS FOR THURSDAY! Simple Strategies (7 of 8) – Learning to Love your Deadlines!
Submitted by Jessica
Welcome to the 7th article in an eight part series that digs deeper into the 8 Simple Strategies so you can save time, money and energy on your journey to the best marketing materials around.
We can all have a love-hate relationship with deadlines. Imagine, it’s the 11th hour, you haven’t eaten lunch, many cups of coffee in…but garsh darnit you have to get this finished or you just can’t take that next step into your business development or your client will be really disappointed. Not only will your client be upset but so will you, because we entrepreneurs always set expectations and the pile of to – do’s is getting higher and higher. Plus, deep down you are ready to get this project off your plate. And then…wait for it… completion! What a great feeling! You’re happy! The client is super happy! And voila the deadline wasn’t such a bad idea after all. So you know what it feels like to be on deadline, right?
Even with all its ups and downs, deadlines are one of the most important elements of not only your creative projects, but of your business as a whole. Human beings work much better within a structured environment (hence government!). Deadlines are obviously a great way to create that structure and get results.
When it comes to your creative projects its very important to communicate specific deadlines to your designer. This allows your designer to plan their time more effectively and it gets you your projects finished in a fair amount of time for the both of you. There is nothing worse for designer or entrepreneur than a project that drags on indefinitely. So think back to when you have been on deadline, remember you were probably not dealing with just one client but multiple clients. Your designer, if successful, is probably working with a production schedule of his or her own.
Discuss with your designer openly and honestly your expectations for your creative project. You might have some immediate needs, but of course don’t expect a turn around in less than 24 hours to always be possible. Also do not “over deadline” by becoming a micro manager. Make sure that the schedule works for both of you. It is better to communicate your needs and ask if your time schedule is possible for your designer rather than telling them. Remember they are running a business too and to rush the creative process will show rushed results. I suggest setting up your deadline schedule like such:
Logo Design
1st round review: Nov 6th
2nd round revisions: Nov 12th
Final version: Nov 18th
Email 3 to 4 days before each due date to check in
Post this schedule up where you can see it to keep the flow going. Set up with your designer a communication protocol if set dates are going to shift for them or for you due to longer revision time and processes. Then, if you feel the need to check in, email your designer 3 to 4 days before to communicate your excitement to take this next step. Also, make sure they don’t need any additional materials or further clarification from you. This will allow for them to share in your excitement and will often show an even greater loyalty to you and respect to your time commitments. All in all, once due dates have been agreed upon create an assurance with your designer to excitedly meet them. You will both be better armed to finish the project on time with amazing results!
Happy deadline setting!
TAKE A LOOK TUESDAY! #472: Finding an Awesome Website
Submitted by Jessica
At designKREW, we are big believers in the little things in life. Big joyous occasions are great, too, don’t get us wrong. But those things only happen occassion-ally. No no, we’re talking about the things that happen every day that just bring a smile, a laugh, or totally change your whole attitude.
So when we found this website, www.1000awesomethings.com, well… let’s just say it was one of those awesome moments. Neil Pasricha has taken the time each day to think of one of those things that everybody (ok almost everybody) loves but never really thinks about! It reminds me a little bit of those group pages that keep popping up on Facebook, but Neil has really taken the time to think about each post on his blog and consider it.
Some are a little gross… like #982: Picking your nose.. but hey, we’re not gonna knock it! Maybe it brings happiness!! Some are adorable, like
#528: When your pet notices you’re in a bad mood and comes to see you.
They range from sweet to hilarious, and you will find yourself skimming the list and going “AH! So true!”
#541 Junk Drawers
So my challenge to you, my dear KREWnews-ers: make your own list of awesome! You can start with one a day, anything big or small, just something you think is awesome, strange, funny, or amusing in some way. Once you start a collection, think of how great it will be to look back on later, when you’re maybe feeling a little bit cranky-pants. You can be like, “Oh yea, #28! Man, that IS awesome…” and then smile and go on with your day.
#561 Letting the waves bury your feet at the beach
It’s the little things in life that can make a HUGE difference in your life, relationships, career, and attitude.
May the Awesomeness find you where ever you may go : )
Photos & some content from www.1000awesomethings.com
TIPS FOR THURSDAY! Simple Strategies (6 of 8) – Great Expectations!
Submitted by Jessica
Welcome to the 6th article in an eight part series that digs deeper into the 8 Simple Strategies so you can save time, money and energy on your journey to the best marketing materials around.
There is nothing more frustrating than an unmet expectation. As business professionals we have to remember that working with anyone is like being in an intimate relationship. Communication is key. No one person can read another person’s mind so it is essential to outline your expectations. Equally important is to outline your expectations at the beginning of the project before the heat of deadlines and creative mojo starts getting tossed around.
There are 5 key areas that will help you to have your expectations outlined and met with ease and grace. Not all are necessary to do but a combination of at least a few will get you where you want to be with your design and marketing projects:
Number 1
Set Up a Needs List
A needs list outlines what you think you will encounter during the design process. Make sure you set up a list that works for both you and your designer. This includes:
* brainstorming sessions
* specific number of mock-ups
* images and copy needed
* first draft due-dates
* revision time
* final project completion
Feel free to add any other steps or needs that will make you feel comfortable during the designing process. Also be clear on how extra time (and therefore extra charges) will be discussed when added to your project.
Number 2
Work Presentation
When your designer or marketing team is ready to present you with work find out what presentation style works best for you. Sometimes you might be limited because you will be working with someone out of state or just far enough to make an in person presentation unlikely. Because technology and virtual communication is advancing, there are many ways around having to conduct in person meetings. For instance, you can ask if your designer has a webinar option available for presenting work.
If you do choose email, be clear if you want your designer on the phone to go through each option one on one or if you want time to sit with the design before discussing revisions with your designer.
Number 3
Discuss payment and payment plans
Money can be complicated but it does not have to be. If you discuss payment options and time frames before a project is started it can decrease stress and complications later on.
* Be very clear on whether an hourly rate or a flat project fee will be used.
* Be very clear about other expenses as well, such as stock photography, materials and gas mileages.
* Be aware that most smart designers expect 30% to 50% of the estimate or project fee up front.
* Discuss how soon after project completion they expect payment to be made.
* Discuss payment methods: credit card, cash, or check.
* Discuss how additions to the project either in tasks or hours will be addressed throughout the project.
Number 4
Non-Disclosure Agreements
Although this option is not always necessary, it is important to protect your business and business ideas. A non-disclosure agreement is a contract that you and your designer sign to protect the protietery information that will be discussed in the development of your branding and marketing strategies. It basically outlines that anything about Company A will not be disclosed to anyone outside of Company B. You can get more information about Non-Disclosure Agreements from your lawyer and basic information on line.
Be sure to send a non-disclosure agreement if what you discuss and are creating is confidential or is time sensitive. For example, if you are going to be releasing a new product that has patent pending material or are starting a new seminar course in a highly competitive market and you are having a designer do the packaging or sales page, you may want to have them sign an NDA to keep that information confidential.
Number 5
Signing Contracts
Smart designers will often have a contract for you to sign outlining the project work, explaining expectations for payment, proposed project timelines and other various elements to protect their rights. Be sure to communicate your expectations as well. (For example, if you need a Net 30 payment versus a Net 15.)
This doesn’t mean you also need to draw up a contract, but perhaps an outline that you and your designer can refer back to in order to stay on track. The only reason you may want to compose a contract is if you are setting certain agreements for a particular length of time that will need to be readdressed once you have learned more about one another and/or created a different type of partnership.
Well hopefully this article met your expectations! I also hope it was helpful in setting up some parameters that you and your designer can work within for an effective relationship that gets the work finished how you like it and when you like it.
Happy Expectations!
TAKE A LOOK TUESDAY! Lights, Camera, Inspiration!
Submitted by Jessica
I’ve always thought of children’s creativity and imagination to be amazing and inspiring. This video captures that idea perfectly! These two performers are in FAO Shwarz, and after seeing it, I noticed all the rest of the videos of people dancing on the giant piano like this! Some of them are really neato!!
Have you ever been inside an FAO Shwarz?! That place is like a fantasy land for little kids, big kids, and adults who still feel like kids inside! No wonder these people perform like this, it must feel great to combine music, dance, and visual lights all at once in a place where you can go crazy with your imagination.
After I saw this, I watched another video from the same website about the man who actually invented the walking piano. He is such an interesting guy. His name is Remo Saraceni and he considers himself an inventor/designer! I love it. My favorite part is how he used to think there were “little men inside” the radio to make it play. Didn’t we all used to think like that at some point? Ok, maybe just me. The cool things he has created include interactive installations in children’s museums. He enjoys designing for children due to their “ability to see the future better than others.” So true!
The original walking piano was actually installed at a children’s hospital in Kansas City, prior to being featured in “Big” and the newer video above. The outdoor piano is so sensitive that it even plays with the rain fall, or when leaves drop on it from trees. Very cool.
We tend to agree with Saraceni, who thinks we can all benefit from playing more like children, and who warns us to “Never take yourself too seriously.”
Watch the video here:
The original walking piano from the " BIG " movie
Uploaded by BIG_WALKING_PIANO_FunClub. – See the latest featured music videos.
We might not have a giant piano to dance on, but we do like to shake-it shake-it to music on the trampoline! We’ll say it over and over until everyone gets it: it is so important to have an out-let available at anytime to process the creative blocks!
So get out there and let it all out! (Your creativity that is….)
TIPS FOR THURSDAY! Simple Strategies (5 of 8) – Learning to speak “Designer”
Submitted by Jessica
Welcome to the 5th article in an eight part series that digs deeper into the 8 Simple Strategies so you can save time, money and energy on your journey to the best marketing materials around.
Imagine you’re on a trip to a foreign land. You don’t know the language spoken you have been studying the key words that you think will be helpful to get you around all the spots you have picked to visit: hotel, train, taxi, bathroom, restaurant, cocktail! You arrive and things are going smoothly because of the little bit of research you have done prior to your arrival.
Why not learn a little language of the foreign land of graphic design to make the trip you take with your designer that much smoother? Now you can relax and simply enjoy the “sights”!
Speaking with a tech savvy designer may be intimidating for some, but don’t worry, knowing a few basic things can really take time off your communication and your project creation time. And leave you with a huge smile on your face!
Top 9 Terms to know:
1. DPI: Stands for dots per inch or how many pixels of ink/color are in a square inch of your image. The higher the DPI, the higher the resolution of an image will be.
2. High Resolution: High resolution typically means 300dpi. The higher the resolution, the better the quality of an image. Therefore, high-resolution images are generally used for marketing materials that will be printed onto paper or any other tangible medium. File size is usually 1MB (megabyte) or higher.
3. Low Resolution: Low resolution typically means 72dpi. The lower the resolution, the lower the quality of an image will be. Therefore, low-resolution images are generally used for marketing materials that will be used on the web. The web is a viewer that requires low dpi for a faster upload time and easier viewing. File size is usually 1MB (megabyte) or lower.
4. Vector Image: A vector file refers to an image that has been digitally illustrated with “vector points” that are changeable. Like an illustration you would make with a pencil versus one made with a pen. These exist in .AI (Illustrator) formats.
5. Layer File: A layered fi le is a layout with multiple images and text lying on top of one another. Imagine a collage that hasn’t been glued down yet, its as easy as a gust of wind to move the images and text around. These generally exist in .INDD (InDesign) and .PSD (Photoshop) formats.
6. Flattened File: Flattened files are a layout that was once layered file or vector file and has been compressed into one image. Imagine a collage that has been lacquered with 20 coats of clear wood varnish and there is no way those pieces of paper are going anywhere! That’s a flattened file. These are typically in .JPEG, .PDF, .TIFF, or .GIF formats.
7. CMYK: CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (yeah I know black doesn’t start with K, we’ll get into that over that cocktail I mentioned earlier). These are the colors that all 4 color print jobs are created with. In this color model, white is the natural color of the paper or other background, while black results from a full combination of colored inks.
8. RGB: RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue. This is the color space used on the Web. This color space has an even wider variety of options than CMYK.
9. PANTONE: is a color matching system used to create specific colors and know exactly how they will be printed. These are sometimes called spot colors and can be used to make CMYK process configurations or are used on their own.
Why should I know all this?
First, image resolution matters because it directly affects the quality of your project. It is easy to go from a high-resolution image to low-resolution image without losing any quality. However, it is impossible to take a low resolution image and it a high resolution without losing quality. For instance, you can generally never pull an image from your website and use it in printed material. It will be grainy and unclear.
The second thing to know about when working with a designer is flattened files versus layered files. I bring this differentiation up for two important reasons.
1. It is challenging for a graphic designer to manipulate a flattened file without a lot of time and effort. They essentially have to cut every element out in order to move it around, erase parts then recreate them to adjust for changes, and/or add new text, all at the risk of damaging the quality of the who composition. Imagine getting through that lacquer now! This could end up adding to your project time and upping the cost of your invoice.
2. Any time a designer does work for you, ask for a copy of the layered or vector file to have for your records once the project has closed. This protects you in case you have to go with another artist in the future. I want to help you negate a situation where a job what seems like a quick fix, but is actually a major work process.
Lastly, it’s also important to know color terms because you need to know how your final product will look once printed or appearing on screen. For instance – what you see on your screen won’t look like what you print out from your personal printer. Your personal printer is also calibrated (set-up) differently than a professional printer. What you see from your printer will often be at least slightly different than what you print out at home. It’s best to get a hard proof from a printer before submitting a job.
Hope that knocks down some of the language barrier!
Happy chatting!
TAKE A LOOK TUESDAY! MIni Size… Major Cute!
Submitted by Jessica
Ok, so I’ve been hearing about these mini pigs for awhile now, and I was thinking it was kinda… weird? Gross? Smelly? But I stumbled on this website and check it out! They are sooo adorable!
Seems like a perfect pet to me! Especially for apartment living (if potty trained). Plus this small farm in Hemet seems very loving and humane. I’m all about rescuing pets from shelters.. I got my little doggie Spike from a shelter and he is so awesome! But a mini pig might be a sweet addition to a fam : ) What do you guys think?
TIPS FOR THURSDAY! Simple Strategies (4 of 8) – Copy Writing
Submitted by Jessica
Welcome to the 4th article in an eight part series that digs deeper into the 8 Simple Strategies so you can save time, money and energy on your journey to the best marketing materials around.
Dear Jessica,
I am a small business owner and I recently had a brochure created for my company. I thought it would be a super easy process but it ended up being a nightmare and costing me way more than I had expected. I noticed that there was a lot of back and forth between me and my designer because of some text changes I wanted to make. What do you think I could have done differently to make this a less tedious and costly project?
If there were one thing out of all the things in the design process that I could have my clients be the most prepared with, it would be their copy. Can I stress this again?…
If there were one thing out of all the things in the design process that I could have my clients be the most prepared with it would be their copy. Not just for my sake but for your sake!
Raise your hand if you don’t want to save time and money in your business?
That’s what I thought…
Here’s the thing, having your copy ready isn’t just good practice, it’s a strategy!
Why?
Most designers are not copywriters. When we look at text on a page it becomes not words, but another image or graphic that must beautifully fit into the puzzle of your design. There are also certain typographic rules in design that are implemented in the development of layouts. The sense of balance and hierarchy can get thrown off if even just a letter is added.
Also, when changes are made in a body of text it can completely disrupt the shape that the text makes. This can throw off the aesthetic of the design and cause the need for shifts in all other elements surrounding the text. So it’s not always just a quick fix.
Let me be clear, don’t be scared to make changes after the initial design is presented if you feel a sentence needs to be reworked now that you see in use. The point is to keep these modifications to a minimum by being prepared.
By flushing out your copy a few times before it even reaches your designer, you can save a ton of time and money and, let’s face it – frustration. (You’ll make your designer happy too!)
It’s like when you are making a meal. You want to have all the ingredients ready to go before you start so everything goes in the oven and in the pan at the right times. When you come in at all angles, at all different times, with the wrong ingredients your meal will take hours to make and quite honestly just won’t taste good.
The same thing applies with having your copy ready with design. If you want to discuss possibilities with your designer on what copy to have that’s fine too, but be well aware that you might be charged for that time and they may not have the experience to truly help you get anywhere. There are many great copywriters out there that can help prep you in this area. Or if you are doing it yourself bounce your ideas off a few others to get feedback on what’s most intriguing and informational. Just trust me on this one…and you’ll make huge strides in completing your design materials in a more efficient and cost effective way.
So let’s recap…
* This strategy is very critical in saving time and money.
* Most designers are not copywriters, so have your copy completely flushed out before submitting it to a designer
* Extra special care and possibly external expertise (copywriters and editors) should especially be used with text heavy design projects such as e-books, catalogs and brochures.
* It takes precision, time and the implementing of certain typographic rules to layout copy in a manner that creates hierarchy and is easy for your audience to read.
* Unnecessary back and forth can be avoided with thoroughly prepared copy and can limit fees adding onto your final invoice as well as decrease your production time.
* Do not hesitate to make minor changes and additions here and there so you get the effect you desire, but massive overhauls should be avoided at all costs (literally!)
Happy Copy Writing!
